“I was angry at first but it soon turned to distress, as I bought my daughter those flowers and the other items out of love.

“To have someone steal them is absolutely heart breaking.”

Lorraine, who visits Claire’s grave every Friday, has asked groundsmen of the cemetery to watch her grave, but this has not been enough to deter the thieves

Lorraine added: “I have spoken to quite a lot of people visiting their loved ones and there has been a lot of theft going on up there.”

Councillor Andrew Tristram, portfolio holder for environment and wellbeing at Mansfield District Council, said: “We have had a number of reports of thefts from graves at our cemeteries over the past few weeks.

“Our Neighbourhood Wardens are aware, they are increasing patrols and are in close communication with the police.

““Anyone with information should contact the police.”

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